Tourism has evidenced an unprecedented growth over the last two decades becoming one of the world’s largest economic sectors. The tourism sector accounts for 10.4% of global GDP and 313 million jobs, or 9.9% of total employment in 2017, generating diverse economic opportunities for people around the world. Nevertheless, this rapid global tourism growth has a big impact from economical, social and environmental perspectives.

In some tourism destinations including also developed countries, a balance among these three dimensions has not yet been achieved. This misbalance might generate not only dissatisfaction among inhabitants of tourism regions but also a potential threat to the environment[1].

Tourism draws on a wide range of services and infrastructure and effects many aspects of life in a tourism destination. This is why the active involvement of different actors of society is essential for the design of sustainable tourism strategies. Only then economic, social, and environmental aspects can be balanced when defining the future direction of a destination’s development. Only then, a coordination of efforts will create the strongest results[2].

Long-term tourism strategies taking into account economic, social and environmental aspects foster innovative projects. Although tourism can be perceived as a driver of economic development on its own, social and environmental aspects can also be innovative sources of economic opportunities resulting in, for instance, sustainable products made in the tourism destination. Ensuring broad involvement including also the civil society in different aspects of tourism can benefit not only the successful implementation of tourism strategies but also innovation in sustainable economies, which may facilitate the balance among economic, social and environmental factors.

Several initiatives are being implemented in Ukraine aiming at improving governance in a transparent, accountable and responsive manner. Within this framework, the U-LEAD with Europe Programme managed by the GIZ pursues the specific objectives of supporting the implementation of regional development actions and assisting capacity development measures.

Several initiatives are being implemented in Ukraine aiming at improving governance in a transparent, accountable and responsive manner. Within this framework, the U-LEAD with Europe Programme managed by the GIZ pursues the specific objectives of supporting the implementation of regional development actions and assisting capacity development measures. We are glad to announce that ATC has been awarded with a project in which a selected team of experts will contribute to make these ideas happen.

Communication, partnership and monitoring concepts are crucial elements for implementing the activities, which will be carried out based on a careful understanding of the U-LEAD support programme as well as the GIZ management model Capacity WORKS.

Building knowledge and developing tools relating to the tasks to be implemented are key factors to assure valuable results by our experienced team of experts. Our knowledge and information concept will be developed around the strategic learning loop: Learning and focusing will be the focus in the activity/strategy creation phase; Alignment and execution will be the focus in the action/strategy implementation phase. Our philosophy is to keep the needs of the client and its partners in the center of the process and learn with them to embed strategy better into needs and policy/political agreement.

U-LEAD is multi-donor action funded by the European Union and its Member States Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Poland and Sweden. We thank the managing and local authorities and our team for this exciting collaboration opportunity. We are looking forward to starting this important assignment in May 2018!

We are happy to announce the achievement of all activities of our project in Palestine. As a result for the very first time, a comprehensive Sales Guide of the Holy Land by Palestinian Tour Operators was created, a corporate website for tourist operators and travellers was developed and Pal, a symbol part of a brand uniting Palestinian Tour Operators was born.

Good ideas with good teams end up in good results. We are happy to announce the achievement of all activities of our project in Palestine. As a result for the very first time, a comprehensive Sales Guide of the Holy Land by Palestinian Tour Operators was created, a corporate website for tourist operators and travellers was developed and Pal, a symbol part of a brand uniting Palestinian Tour Operators was born as part of a comprehensive corporate branding strategy. All was successfully launched in events in three cities of the US market, New York, Chicago and Atlanta. We want to thank GIZ, HLITOA and all its members for an enjoyable teamwork and unforgettable experience.

Having the common ideas to increase sales for the members of Holy Land Incoming Tour Operators Association (HLITOA), and maintain its leadership position within the Palestinian tourism industry has been the engine for all activities and results. Through a comprehensive and participatory approach based on stakeholders’ needs, suggestions and priorities, we implemented a strategy aiming at increasing revenue for the organization based on three pillars, product, brand and communications. Products and itineraries were refined based on targeting profiling; a new brand concept was developed from unique competitive advantages and marketing communications were structured based on an integrative concept.

The results can be seen as remarkable deliverables and as a consequence of good teamwork and clear priority of objectives. At ATC, we thank all members involved for this project and particularly to Sami Khoury, Gerold Schwarz, Sebastian Ploetzgen, Margo Tarazi, Ihab Habari, Michel Awad and Dimitri Khashram for all your support and team efforts. Looking forward to working with you in the future.

Ardahan, a stunning location for tourism in Turkey, has been the location of one of our latest projects aiming at the improvement of winter tourism infrastructure. Since September 2017, a 3 km-long quadruple detachable chairlift is being constructed for Yalnızçam skiing center generating immediate positive results to the local community.

Ardahan, a stunning location for tourism in Turkey, has been the location of one of our latest projects aiming at the improvement of winter tourism infrastructure. Since September 2017, a 3 km-long quadruple detachable chairlift is being constructed for Yalnızçam skiing center at the height of 2800 meters generating immediate positive results to the local community. A large number of tourists are expected for the upcoming winter season, which will increase the economic development of the region. The outstanding results of the project have sparked local media attention, which has published a detailed article about the project recognizing also the diligent management of Nezih Isci, senior ATC consultant - project leader. At ATC, we are sincerely grateful to the community of Ardahan for its support and with Nezih, who has once again has made good ideas happen.

The results can also be seen as concrete steps of the financial cooperation between the EU and Turkey, and as an initial stone for sustainable growth for the region. “We aim at a nature sports center that extends touristic activities around the whole year with facilities for activities such as golf, mountain biking, and trekking”, Nezih, reported. This cooperation can be developed in further projects, such as such as a children-oriented skiing center for families from Istanbul and Ankara. “This facility would change the countenance of the environment and also it is an ideal place for entrepreneurs”, Nezih added.

Being also a part of the Caucasia, Ardahan is an important region facilitating cross-border cooperation. The proximity to the Lake Cildir is a big advantage for this endeavor. Cross-border tourism collaboration is an important step for which Georgian communities neighboring Ardahan are crucial actors. Tourism facilities, hotels, and further services foster the regional touristic potential that has already been experienced by locals in Ardahan. “The local community embraced the project and can’t wait for the tourists to come to their city” the newspaper reports. “I am really happy for their excitement of the people about our project” Nezih, said.

The project will be finished by the 2017-2018 skiing season and will mark a reference point at a regional level. Georgia and nearby countries are ideal candidates for this type of project in which a collaborative rather than a competitive approach can be taken. “We will invite entrepreneurs from these countries to join our efforts and make ideas happen together”, Nezih said. This is also an opportunity for Turkish winter tourism brands and local businesses. “Tourism is a social and economic tool for sustainable growth for both regional and local community”, he added. We are very pleased with these results and hope that much many are there to come.

We are very happy to announce that we started an interesting project aiming at strengthening the economic development in the Palestinian Territories and to improve the competitiveness of Palestinian businesses.

Palestine, a cradle of world history and cultural heritage, offers unique experiences and incomparable opportunities to understand human civilizations. Its history involves, as few other countries in the world, the most interesting aspects from the beginning of human prehistoric cultures until the most recent developments of our modern world. Beyond the complex socio-political situation, Palestine is a territory full of stories to share. From religious and archaeological to cultural and political, Palestinian territories offer countless must-have travelling experiences worth having and telling. We are very happy to announce that we started an interesting project aiming at strengthening the economic development in the Palestinian Territories and to improve the competitiveness of Palestinian businesses.

Currently there is a minimal contribution of tourism to the country’s economy. Archaeological, historical and religious sites are the main driver of Palestinian tourism and most of them can even become an important driver of social development within the local community. Additionally, touristic manufacture establishments (wood, ceramics, glass and other) and alternative products (beer production) have increased in demand and popularity, reflecting high local need for outbound tourism activities. This is consistent with a rising interest in alternative and experiential tourism, both politically (conscientious tourism) as well as activities beyond religious purposes such as hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing. There is clearly a big potential to develop interesting ideas and tourism activities.

Our experts will develop a comprehensive and participatory approach, in which identifying key market segments, developing effective marketing and sales strategies, and having a special focus on micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises will be key elements. We want to thank all local authorities, the Holy Land Incoming Tour Operators Association, the Ministry of Tourism of the Palestinian National Authority, the Arab Hotel Association and the GIZ Private Sector Development Program (PSDP) to make this happen and we look forward to implementing this important project.

Since the revolution of 2011, Tunisia has experienced profound political, institutional and economic challenges. After presidential elections in 2014, major steps in strengthening democratic institutions have been established opening up a period of democratic transition.

Since the revolution of 2011, Tunisia has experienced profound political, institutional and economic challenges. After presidential elections in 2014, major steps in strengthening democratic institutions have been established opening up a period of democratic transition. The government is making significant efforts to improve the environment for structural efforts to enable inclusive growth, reduction of unemployability and regional disparities, and to introduce forms of participatory governance. Within this framework, we are happy to announce a new project awarded in Tunisia, aiming at supporting EU Delegation in the country in the elaboration of a programme for budgetary support to unease the implementation of a Tunisian development plan (2016-2020).

Tunisia continues to face significant socio-economic and regional disparities that require long-term and permanent efforts from different actors. These efforts are focused on social peace and security, the necessary conditions for recovery of the economic activity and the return to growth. Currently, there is an awareness of the need to embrace a social economy that brings growth and development to the economy of the country. We are glad to support this project.

Hopefully these multiple initiatives will bring prosperity and wellness to Tunisia. This is a great country with an impressive history, cultural heritage and hospitality. We are looking forward to implementing this important project and supporting successful results for Tunisian people. Making ideas happen!

Ardahan, a province in northeastern Turkey, is one of the least developed regions in the country, particularly affected by the global economic crisis of 2008. With an economy based mainly on agriculture, limited economic opportunities have been developed since the population has decreased significantly.

Ardahan, a province in northeastern Turkey, is one of the least developed regions in the country, particularly affected by the global economic crisis of 2008. With an economy based mainly on agriculture, limited economic opportunities have been developed since the population has decreased significantly. However, its natural landscapes and climate conditions make it highly suitable for mountain tourism, which creates important socio-economic development opportunities for the entire community. One important foundation for tourism is already anchored in the region: Great hospitality.

With the purpose to contribute to the social and economic development of the province, we have started an important project aiming at improving the competitiveness of Ardahan’s winter tourism industry. Alliances for Culture Tourism in Eastem Anatolia Joint Programme, the millennium development achievement fund and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Turkey have funded the initiative in cooperation with international partners such as UNESCO, UNICEF, UNDP and UNWTO. The Governorship of Ardahan, the City Council and local tourism businesses have also supported the project. We want to thank all for the opportunity to start this important and challenging endeavor.

Conducting desk research, stakeholder consultations, gathering relevant data and identifying the priority promotional activities will be crucial to develop promotion strategies and action plans in order to produce a master plan for the province. Ardahan has unique characteristics for high quality skiing between November and April as well as a broad range of mountain activities in summer and winter. Being mountain lovers at ATC, we are looking forward to implementing this great project!

Barbados, a Caribbean island full of ancient history, stories of pirates and paradisiac climate, is the destination of our newly won project. It aims at designing, developing, and delivering an integrated agricultural and fisheries knowledge management system.

Barbados, a Caribbean island full of ancient history, stories of pirates and paradisiac climate, is the destination of our newly won project. It aims at designing, developing, and delivering an integrated agricultural and fisheries knowledge management system in order to revitalize and improve the processes for a more modern, efficient and knowledge-driven sector that would ensure an adequate level of food security. This is part of a long-term strategy that improves competitiveness through high quality agricultural production, increasing innovation, stakeholder collaboration and enhanced value-added activity.

We are very happy for having won this project and want to thank our team and the local authorities to make this happen, especially the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries, and Water Resource Management of Barbados, in cooperation with the EU. The Ministry's long-term vision and strategic focus is to transform and reposition the Agricultural Sector in Barbados through the promotion of an agribusiness approach to farming, with particular attention to the effective use of resources. The adoption of appropriate technology and sound management practices are planned to achieve internationally competitive production, processing and marketing enterprises, which would also contribute to food security, social and economic development and, sustainable management of natural resources in the country.

We will deploy a team of seasoned experts in system analysis, software development and information technology with large experience in Asia, Africa and Europe, focusing on aquaculture, fisheries and tropical agronomy. We are looking forward to implementing this challenging endeavor that take us back to this incredible country and wish the team, all the best.

Sustainable tourism aims at balancing social, environmental and economic goals while providing different experiences for travellers. It involves respect, curiosity and consciousness not only for cultural heritage and local environments, but also for the social and economic development that can be generated.

Sustainable tourism aims at balancing social, environmental and economic goals while providing different experiences for travellers. It involves respect, curiosity and consciousness not only for cultural heritage and local environments, but also for the social and economic development that can be generated. Although in the past decades sustainable tourism could be seen as an alternative, it has become increasingly popular and mainstream, since tourism is one of the fastest growing industries and the environmental effects of mass tourism have become more evident.

Sustainability involves understanding tourism experiences from several perspectives providing uniqueness as well as social benefits for local economies. A human, holistic and pragmatic approach is important to visualize opportunities and make them happen in a sustainable way for the future. Tourism for the future represents a vision of preserving the wonders of our planet for upcoming generations while making them a tool for economic growth and development. At ATC, this is our passion, but also our responsibility.

When planning a project in sustainable tourism our focus starts with the people living in the destination area as part of the ecosystem that needs to be preserved. We aim at innovations that promote human wellbeing and social economic growth while contributing to maintain a functional integrity of ecosystems. Therefore, one of our main concerns is to add value with ideas and innovative solutions that improve living conditions for local people.

Passion for tourism inspires us to create innovative ideas for the future. Our daily work is based on this passion that makes us leaders and experts in tourism. Making ideas happen in tourism means loving what we do and doing what we love.

Vietnam, a natural wonder of stunning landscapes on the Indochina Peninsula, has been one of the fastest-growing economies over the last decade. Its economic transformation, foreign investment and efforts of local governments have contributed significantly to poverty reduction, economic development and increasing social equity.

Vietnam, a natural wonder of stunning landscapes on the Indochina Peninsula, has been one of the fastest-growing economies over the last decade. Its economic transformation, foreign investment and efforts of local governments have contributed significantly to poverty reduction, economic development and increasing social equity. However, much more needs to be done in order to ensure a sustainable economy in a globally competitive context. We are happy to announce a new project awarded in cooperation with ADE aiming at supporting the Government of Vietnam and the EU in the strengthening of public financial management in the country. We want to thank our team, partners and experts to let us start this important project.

Several activities related to the identification and formulation of possible interventions for improving ongoing economic governance programmes will be implemented. With the specific purpose of strengthening the state budget law, debt management, tax policy and administration, various analyses, diagnostics and feasibility assessments will be also conducted. Plans for enhancing and fostering economic governance in Vietnam will be a key motivator for the results expected and for the action plans to be implemented in the future.

Vietnam is a wonderful place with much more to be discovered and admired. We look forward to starting this interesting opportunity in a fascinating country that we always wanted to come back and to make many more ideas happen.